It’s probably fair to say that only one man ever put Elizabeth Taylor in a brontosaurus’ mouth. That would be Highland Park native Brian Levant, who directed the late Hollywood icon in 1994’s “The Flintstones,” which would end up being her last theatrical feature film. She played Pearl Slaghoople.

The good-natured director of such sunny family favorites as “Beethoven,” “Snow Dogs” and “Are We There Yet?” shared with the Tribune his fond memories of working with “a real pro.” Yes, she was gorgeous. Yes, she was glamorous. But Levant was more impressed with her considerable and underutilized flair for comedy. 

Q: “The Flintstones” was Elizabeth Taylor’s first major feature film in 14 years. How did you get her?

A: Our strategy was very simple. It was produced by Steven Spielberg’s production company, so it had his pedigree. It was going to be an all-star event. She wasn’t paid much, but I think the reason she took it was we offered to make the American premiere a benefit for her AIDS foundation.

Q: What was your first meeting like?

A: I met her for the first time when she came into rehearsal. She was wearing a pair of black jeans, a white t-shirt, and a little hat with a flower on it. No makeup. You couldn’t take your eyes of her. She was 61 or 62. She was just radiant. The eyes were so unique. She was just a beautiful woman.

Q: How did the cast and crew react to her?

A: The reaction from the entire crew was of such rapt awe. It was truly a visit a visit from a celestial being.

Q: Were they intimidated by her?

A: She was such a pro. She considered herself a working actress. There was no star behavior. (Actors like her) who literally grew up on studio lots can just walk in and they own the place. She did her own makeup. The crew was just enraptured. The first day everyone wore a tie.

Q:So she wasn’t given the star treatment?

A: The cast and crew applauded like mad (on her first day). I called her “Ms. Taylor.” She said, “Cut it out. It’s Elizabeth or E.T., but not Liz.”

Q: What was most memorable for you about working with her?

A: Watching her trade one-liners with John Goodman. There was also a scene where the bad guys tie her up and leave her on the floor. When it came time to actually tie her up, our prop master came up to her and asked her to put her wrists together. She said, “You know, men have been trying to do this to me for years.” She was a real trouper. After rehearsing one scene, John walked away, but I thought of something and went toward him and I stepped, all 210 pounds of me, on the side of her foot. I felt terrible and stupid and humiliated. How could I do this to a screen legend? She came back 15 minutes later. She was on crutches. I apologized and people behind me started to laugh. She faked the whole thing.

Q: It sounds like she had a blast.

A: There was no pressure on her. She didn’t have to carry the film. She had a really good time. She made an enduring friendship with Rosie O’Donnell (who portrayed Betty Rubble). One day Michael Jackson showed up on set. The Henson puppeteers brought lot of the characters to life for him. He really dug that. He and Elizabeth went on the Universal Studio Tour and went on a couple of the rides.

Q: What is your lasting impression of working with her?

A: It was a real thrill for everybody (to work with her). People never worked so hard or so well. When you play with a superstar, it elevates everyone’s game. I just think it’s too bad no one thought to let her be funny. She could do a joke.